Important rules to protect against sudden infant death syndrome

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the unexpected death of an infant under one year of age, often caused by multiple risk factors. These include sleeping on the stomach or side, overheating, exposure to tobacco smoke, and suffocation from bed-sharing.

To reduce the risk of SIDS, the AAP recommends the following safe sleep practices for infants:

• Always place babies on their backs:

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  Infants should always sleep on their backs, in a separate and dedicated sleeping area.

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• Use a safe and firm crib:

A crib or bedside sleeper with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet is ideal.

• Avoid sofas and armchairs:

• Never let your baby sleep on a sofa, armchair, or infant seat such as swings or car seats (except while traveling in the car).

• Keep the sleep area clear:

• Remove loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, crib bumpers, and any other soft items from the baby’s sleeping space.

• Breastfeeding and smoke-free environment:

• Breastfeeding strengthens the baby’s immune system, and it’s essential to avoid smoking anywhere near the baby, especially in rooms where the infant sleeps.